If your dog has diarrhea, you'll want to do everything you can to help them get relief. By addressing the condition early, you can avoid dehydration and other secondary issues that can worsen their symptoms.
One of the most important things you can do to ease your dog's stomach is to provide them with the right diet. A diet that's full of fibre is a great way to help them digest their food and keep their stools firm.
Rest
Diarrhea is a common symptom of many illnesses, and can be caused by anything from bacterial infections to dietary indiscretions. If diarrhea lasts more than a day, it is best to take your dog to the vet.
Diarrheal symptoms often resolve by themselves in a day or two, but it is important to monitor your dog for signs that something is not right. Signs include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weakness or anorexia.
Most cases of diarrhea are caused by indigestion or overeating, or by the ingestion of toxic substances (garbage, salt water, human food). Intestinal parasites such as coccidia, giardia and amebiasis are also frequently accompanied by diarrhea.
Fasting
A lot of the time, diarrhea is caused by something going wrong in your dog's gastrointestinal tract (GIT). That may be an infection or a bacterial overgrowth.
Your vet will be able to find out what's going on by taking a stool sample. Ideally, the stool should have firm consistency and a segmented appearance.
However, if it is liquid or watery and not very firm, your dog could be having constipation instead of diarrhea.
If you notice any other symptoms, such as vomiting or losing weight, see the vet for an evaluation.
Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, your veterinarian will likely recommend medication. Antibiotics are an important tool in treating severe diarrhea, but they can cause more problems than they solve, such as disruption of your dog's gut microbiome.
Simplify the Diet
If your dog has a mild case of diarrhea, they should be given a bland, easily digestible diet. The goal of this is to rehydrate them without causing further damage and give their stomach time to recover.
This type of food may include cooked chicken or beef, boiled potatoes, or cooked rice. These foods have starches that are easily digestible for dogs.
You can also try a food that has a healthy blend of quality fiber sources to help improve digestion and support your dog’s gut health. Look for a brand like Lucy Pet food that has superfoods such as pumpkin, quinoa or sweet potatoes that are known to have digestive benefits.
If your dog is experiencing a serious case of diarrhea, you should see your veterinarian immediately. They may need to take a stool sample or blood test to determine the cause and treatment options.
Medication
Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses affecting dogs. It can be caused by a number of different problems, including parasites, stress, or changes to your dog's diet.
If your pet's diarrhea isn't resolved after a few days, you need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will evaluate your dog's history and physical exam to determine what treatment options are best.
There are several medications your vet can prescribe to help relieve your dog's symptoms. These include fluids and electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration; antiparasitic drugs to treat intestinal parasites; antibiotics to combat infections; or a combination of these.
See the Vet
Diarrhea is a natural reaction to toxins and bacteria being flushed from your dog's digestive tract. But if you're not sure what's causing it, it's best to see the vet.
Unless your dog's diarrhea is the result of a serious underlying condition, such as pancreatitis, bacterial overgrowth, or small intestinal parasites, it should clear up after a few days.
If your dog's diarrhea persists or if it comes with other symptoms, such as lethargy and vomiting, it's time to see the vet.
Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical exam and stool exam and might recommend diagnostic tests to rule in or out potential causes. These include a fecal float and smear, snap tests for Giardia, canine parvovirus, and other infectious agents, blood work, radiographs (x-rays), and endoscopy to visualize the inside of your dog's stomach or intestines.
